Repairing Carpet Strip Holes in a Wood Floor

Repair nail holes left by carpet strips with wood putty or wood filler.

If you’ve pulled up an old carpet to reveal a hardwood floor, there’s a good chance the floor will need some level of repair. Wall-to-wall carpeting, for example, is typically held in place by strips with upward-facing tacks that are nailed to the floor. Whether you are planning to completely refinish the floor or it is in good condition will determine what materials you use to repair the holes that these strips leave behind.

Floors That Are Not Being Refinished

1

Select wood putty that is as close to the color of the floor as possible. Wood putty, not to be confused with wood filler, is recommended for filling holes in finished wood. It is available in a variety of colors, which can also be blended to create a custom color. Putty does not harden, so you do not need to wait for it to dry or attempt to sand it.

2

Clean the surface of the area to be repaired with a damp rag. Wipe it with a dry rag and allow it to dry thoroughly.

3

Pull a dab of putty from the container and press it into the nail holes. Typically, your fingers will suffice, but use a putty knife if necessary. Wipe off excess putty with a damp rag.

Floors That Are Being Refinished

1

Select stainable wood filler. Wood filler, as opposed to putty, is applied before finishing the wood. Its color will not match the surrounding wood until stain is applied.

2

Remove any loose debris and clean the surface being repaired with a damp rag, then dry it thoroughly.

3

Apply a liberal amount of filler to the hole. Press it firmly into place with a putty knife. Fill the hole to slightly above the surface, but avoid spreading excess filler on the surrounding area. When the entire floor surface is sanded as part of the refinishing process, the filler will be sanded level with the floor.

4

Allow the filler to dry completely before sanding and staining. Drying time will vary depending on the size and depth of the hole. Check the product’s specs for specific drying times.

About the Author

Matt Brown has been writing professionally for more than 15 years. He shares his experience in home remodeling and do-it-yourself projects with his readers. Brown earned his bachelor of arts in communications from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.